Depression decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, fainting, a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and erectile dysfunction. The claims are remanded for further development.,The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for left hip disability, right hip disability, gastrointestinal disorder, and gastroesophageal disorder.

The Veteran's depressive disorder with insomnia disorder is rated at 70 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms such as suicidal ideation and difficulty adapting to stressful situations. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board denied service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder but granted service connection for Unspecified Depressive Disorder. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others not.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 9, 2006 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder (MDD) was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for MDD was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of in-service stressors and need for a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted a higher rating of 50 percent for major depressive disorder from March 8, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination report, and further action is required including obtaining updated private medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The Veteran was not provided with a VA examination and his reported in-service stressor is being evaluated.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depression, finding that there is no competent medical evidence to support these claims. The Board also found that the adjustment disorder was not proximately due to or the result of the Veteran’s service-connected facial scars.

The Veteran's hemicrania continua (headaches) is granted a rating of 50 percent, but not higher. The forehead scars are denied any compensable rating.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 14, 2010 for service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder. The issues of increased rating for PTSD prior to December 30, 2014 and in excess of 50 percent prior to July 7, 2015, entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS with insomnia is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 5, 2013. The Board has remanded the case to consider a higher rating and an earlier effective date for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with depression and anxiety, was rated at 70 percent from July 22, 1971 to March 23, 2016. The rating is denied for a higher disability evaluation.

The Veteran's major depression with opioid use disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they did not cause deficiencies in most areas of his life.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient information regarding his in-service exposure to hazardous toxins and/or ionizing radiation. The RO must verify the Veteran’s claimed exposures and then readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental health condition, specifically bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board finds that further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination, is necessary.

The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to her service-connected PTSD, and thus she is granted service connection for depression.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's lay statements and VA treatment records are considered in determining whether his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

Your appeal has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of your appeal.